Sustainability in the Workplace: Healthier Air, Higher Morale

Sustainability isn’t only on the minds of consumers, shareholders, and environmentalists. Employees and companies are finding they are becoming increasingly concerned with how their workplaces interact with the world around them. Businesses that have embraced sustainability initiatives have discovered that while these programs can cut down on waste, energy, and costs, they can also boost employee morale. To put it simply, workers want to be associated with companies that do the right thing. And the responsible use of resources has clearly become a “right thing” to do.

Fortunately, sustainability doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, some measures are surprisingly straightforward and simple. Just by replacing older commercial air filter designs with cutting-edge, energy efficient models, manufacturers, hospitals, office buildings, pharmaceutical companies, and other businesses have achieved the hat trick of sustainability: cleaner air that keeps employees comfortable and healthy; reduced energy costs thanks to more efficient designs; and the increased goodwill and morale that comes from knowing that the C-suite cares about the environment and is actively taking steps to reduce energy use and waste.

Innovative air filters, like those from Camfil Farr, the world leader in clean air solutions, are designed from the ground up for sustainability. Camfil Farr commercial air filters, for example, use fine fiber media that not only is more effective than more traditional designs — doing a better job of keeping harmful particles out of indoor air — but are more efficient. Indeed, manufacturers, hospitals, and other organizations that have switched to Camfil Farr solutions have seen up to a 40 percent reduction in their annual HVAC energy costs. In addition, because the filters operate at peak efficiency for longer periods of time than their more traditional counterparts, they need to be switched out less frequently. That not only reduces replacement costs, but the amount of filters that need to be disposed of (and the expense involved in that). What’s good for the company turns out to be good for the employees — and for the environment.

Clean air, of course, is just one step companies can take as part of their overall sustainability initiative. Recycling, low-energy lighting, non-toxic cleaning products, and the embrace of recycled paper and duplex printing (using both sides of the page), are other measures that are easy to implement but can bring a significant payoff.

Take note, however, that a crucial component of any sustainability project is to get the word out. Sparking real change throughout the organization — and creating heightened awareness and increased morale — is best accomplished when top management personally promotes and champions the effort. That means more than memos from key executives. It means integrating sustainability into the core business, and making it not just a goal, but a company value. Done right, sustainability will be something employees take pride in — helping them improve not just the business’s future, but that of the world around them.

The world leader in air filtration systems, Camfil Farr provides clean air solutions for hospitals, hotels, office buildings, educational institutions, and pharmaceutical and biotech companies. We provide the tools to achieve sustainability, maintain high air quality, and reduce airborne infections — all while lowering total cost of ownership. Camfil Farr customers go green without ever sacrificing performance. For more information on air filters and sustainability, visit us online at www.green-air-filters.com, or call us toll-free at 888.599.6620.